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Kobayashi given five-place penalty for Silverstone

24 June 2012 – Kamui Kobayashi has been given a five-place grid drop for the next round of the World Championship at Silverstone. This follows his collision with Felipe Massa during Sunday’s European Grand Prix on the streets of Valencia.

The Sauber driver twice made contact with rivals during the 57-lap event; first with Bruno Senna, after which the Brazilian was penalised, and then with Massa. Exiting the swing bridge, Kobayashi piled into the side of the Paulista’s Ferrari.

“What a race today, but I am very disappointed,” said the Japanese driver. “I definitely had a good start from seventh. I made up two positions straight away and then overtook Pastor Maldonado on Lap 1. I was fourth and it looked promising.

“At my first pit-stop, after 14 laps, we had a problem with the front-left wheel. After that I was 11th and still had a good chance. On Lap 20 I was following Kimi Räikkönen, who was overtaking Bruno Senna, and then was on the inside next to Senna. I had the wall (on my right) and nowhere to go when we touched. I had to pit for a nose change.

“Later, when the race was restarted after the Safety Car period, I was fighting with Felipe Massa for position. Our cars touched and this time the damage was too bad to continue.”

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